Simon Bolivar's Latin America.

[TsarSamuil]

Argentina says it will control Falklands within 20 years.

RT.com
6 February, 2013, 05:25

The Falkland Islands will be under Argentina’s control within 20 years, the country’s foreign minister told British press, claiming that the UK “has never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity to find a solution” to the issue.

Speaking to reporters from The Guardian and The Independent, Hector Timerman stressed that “not one single country in the world” supports Britain’s claims to right of rule in the Falkands, to which he referred by their Spanish name, the Malvinas.

"I don't think it will take another 20 years,” he said, talking about re-gaining Argentine control over the islands. “I think that the world is going through a process of understanding more and more that this is a colonial issue, an issue of colonialism, and that the people living there were transferred to the islands.”

In the interview, the Argentine foreign minister ruled out military action to resolve the issue, accusing the British government of militarizing the South Atlantic region in a grab for oil and natural resources.

"Wherever there is a smell of oil, big powers start to look around and they find a reason to stay there. I think probably oil will complicate the peaceful solution that is asked for by the United Nations. I think in history that Britain has had a tendency to stay in places where there are natural resources belonging to other people."

Timerman expressed his willingness to discuss the issue with British Foreign Secretary William Hague, who refused to meet his Argentine counterpart in London. The Foreign Office insists that such a meeting will not take place without Falklands Islands representatives present.

Meanwhile Timerman underlined that “according to the United Nations, there are only two parties to the conflict – the United Kingdom and the Republic of Argentina,” and that by insisting on the introduction of a third party, that being the Falkland Islanders, London is ignoring more than 40 UN resolutions calling on the two countries to negotiate.

“I think the fanatics are not in Buenos Aires, [but] maybe in the United Kingdom because they are 14,000 kilometers away from the islands. And I think they are using the people living in the islands for political [reasons] and to have access to oil and natural resources which belong to the Argentine people,” the top Argentine diplomat said, as quoted by The Guardian.

[TsarSamuil]

Chavez returns home after cancer surgery in Cuba.

English.news.cn 2013-02-18 17:49:32

CARACAS, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on his Twitter account Monday that he has returned home after a two-month cancer treatment in Cuba.

"We have arrived again to the Venezuelan homeland. Thank you, God! Thank you, my beloved people! We shall continue the treatment here," Chavez said in a Twitter post.

Former Cuban leader Fidel Castro on Monday hailed Chavez's return, saying in a letter that a long and anxious wait was over for the Venezuelan people.

According to Vice President Nicolas Maduro, Chavez arrived at Caracas at 2:30 a.m. local time and was sent to Dr. Carlos Arvelo Military Hospital for further treatment.

Chavez's return came days after the Venezuelan government released some images of him for the first time since the cancer surgery in Cuba two months ago. Aides said Chavez had difficulty breathing and was being aided by a tracheal tube, making it difficult for him to speak.

Chavez was first diagnosed with cancer in June 2011. He appeared to have overcome the disease after his third operation and was declared cancer-free prior to Venezuela's general elections last fall, in which he was reelected for the third time.

As his recovery was complicated by a lung infection in December, Chavez missed his Jan. 10 inauguration, which was then postponed until his condition improves, despite objection from opposition parties.

[TsarSamuil]

Ecuadorian president wins 2nd reelection: official results.

English.news.cn 2013-02-18 08:26:47

QUITO, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa was re-elected in Sunday's elections, according to preliminary results.

The incumbent won 56.36 percent of the vote against 24.09 percent for his closest challenger, former banker Guillermo Lasso, after about 40 percent of the ballots were counted, figures of the National Electoral Council show.

The final results are not expected to change greatly, said the electoral authority.

Under Ecuador's electoral law, a presidential candidate wins outright in the first round if he or she garners more than 40 percent of the vote and has a 10-point advantage over the closest rival.

Right before the release of the official preliminary results, Correa had already begun celebrating his victory, given his overwhelming advantage against rival candidates in two exit polls.

"Today I am most committed than ever. We can't take a single step backwards. We have the immense trust of the people to definitely change the fatherland. May God reward you, the victory is from each and every one of you," Correa told a crowd of excited supporters.

Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador's second largest city, in 1963, Correa is a U.S.-trained economist who also speaks French, English and some Quechua, one of the country's most prevalent indigenous languages. He has fought for rights of the poor and working class and successfully negotiated to reduce Ecuador's foreign debt burden by some 60 percent.

Correa was first elected president in November 2006 and took office in January 2007 for a four-year term. But a new constitution in 2008 called for new elections, and he was re-elected in April 2009.

Leading one of South America's smallest nations, Correa gained worldwide fame in August 2012 for facing down U.S. and UK authorities and granting political asylum to WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange, who believed he was being persecuted by those world powers for his whistle-blowing website.

-------

'Capitalist tyrants shouldn't lead a state, people should' - Correa (RT EXCLUSIVE)

RussiaToday
Feb 20, 2013

www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOs4hE8ZYZ8

Rafael Correa, president of Ecuador since 2007, defeated his nearest rival, former banker Guillermo Lasso, by more than 30 percent. Addressing his supporters in the capital, Quito, President Correa called for "another four years of revolution". Talking to RT, Correa detailed his main goals for his third four-year term, including promises to fight poverty, unemployment and social inequality, as well as corruption.

[Diman]

Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez Dies From Cancer

March 6 (RIA Novosti)

— Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has died after a prolonged battle with cancer, Vice President Nicolas Maduro announced on national television.

The announcement came hours after an emergency government meeting following reports that the health of Venezuela’s charismatic socialist leader was failing.

“We have received the toughest and tragic information that… Comandante President Hugo Chavez died today [Tuesday] at 4:25 pm [17:25 GMT]," Maduro said in an emotional address to Venezuelans.

Meanwhile, Venezuela's Defense Minister, Admiral Diego Molero, appealed on national television for "unity, tranquility and understanding" among Venezuelans and vowed that the military will remain loyal to the constitution in the wake of Chavez's death.

Chavez, 58, who has ruled Venezuela for 14 years, has had four operations for cancer and four courses of chemotherapy in Cuba and Venezuela within a year. His fourth operation, to remove cancerous tissue, took place in Cuba on December 11.

Chavez, who was known as the most vocal US adversary in Latin America, won a new six-year term at an election in October and his inauguration was slated for January 11, but he was unable to attend due to health reasons.

Chavez named Vice President Maduro as his potential successor before going for the latest surgery in December.

Foreign Minister Elias Jaua said in televised comments late on Tuesday that Venezuela will hold new presidential elections in 30 days and Maduro will assume presidency during the interim period.

According to Jaua, Chavez’s public funeral will be held on Friday and Venezuelans will observe a seven-day mourning period for the leader of the Bolivarian Revolution.

Maduro has earlier said that he had no doubt that "the historical enemies of the country sought for a weak spot to harm the health" of President Hugo Chavez.

He insisted that in due time, a scientific commission will be formed to certify whether the Venezuelan president was attacked with the illness he has been suffering for almost two years.

Venezuela expelled on Tuesday two US diplomats on alleged espionage charges.

Following the announcement of Chavez's death, US President Barack Obama issued a brief statement reaffirming the US support "for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government.”

“As Venezuela begins a new chapter in its history, the United States remains committed to policies that promote democratic principles, the rule of law, and respect for human rights,” the statement said.

Bêdziemy Ciebie pamiêtaæ Hugo!

Budem Tyebya pomnit' Hugo!

We will bear You in mind Hugo!

[Deleted]

RIP Comandante

[TsarSamuil]

[zidar]

Worse than some, better than most.

[TsarSamuil]

Pics,
rt.com/news/chavez-iconic-memorable-quotes-885/

Hugo Chavez: Never lost for words.

RT.com
March 06, 2013 13:20

In power for 14 years, the late leader of the New Bolivarian Revolution, Hugo Chavez, has left enough memorable quotes for his successors. Part of his political legacy, some of the phrases showing great wit and sense of humor have made history.

International politics

“No part of the human community can live entirely on its own planet, with its own laws of motion and cut off from the rest of humanity.”

“I hereby accuse the North American empire of being the biggest menace to our planet.”

“We must confront the privileged elite who have destroyed a large part of the world.”

“We're not perfect, but we do have democracy.”

“It wouldn’t be strange that there had been civilization on Mars, but once capitalism got there it would finish the planet.” (2011)

“I think we are suffering from political impotence. We need political Viagra." (2006)

"We’ve been around for 500 years and never shut up, much less to a monarch. The king is the head of state just like me. The only difference is I've been elected three times with 63 per cent. We are equal as heads of state, be it the leader of the Indian State Evo Morales or King Juan Carlos of Spain.” (2007, to the demand of King Juan Carlos I of Spain to be quiet during the XVII Ibero-American Summit in Chile).

"Yesterday the devil came here. Right here. [crosses himself] This place still smells of sulfur." (after getting to the rostrum at the UN General Assembly the day after then-US President George W. Bush in 2006)

"Come here, Mr. Danger, coward, murderer, you’re a mass murderer, you’re an alcoholic, you’re drunk, you’re immoral, you are the worst, Mr. Danger, you’re a sick, I know it personally…You're a fool, Mr. Danger, or to tell you in my bad English - you are a donkey, Mr. George W. Bush… You are the worst I have seen on this planet. God save the world from this threat.” (on the US president in 2006).

"Israel criticizes Hitler a lot, so do we, but they’ve done something very similar, even worse, than what the Nazis did.” (visiting Iran in 2006)

“The Holocaust, that is what is happening right now in Gaza…The president of Israel at this moment should be taken to the International Criminal Court together with the president of the United States.” (2009)

“Fascists are not human. A snake is more human.”

Economic issues and social justice

"Being rich is bad and inhumane. So condemn the rich.” (2005)

"Much of Europe’s wealth comes from the mineral riches of the new world, which fed the coffers of the monarchies of Europe.” (2007)

“The world has enough for everybody, but some minorities, the descendants of the same people that crucified Christ, and of those that expelled Bolívar from here and in their own way crucified him . . . have taken control of the riches of the world.”

"If you get up at three in the morning to go to the bathroom, man, why you have to turn on that little light? Put the torch there on the nightstand.” (2009, when announcing more measures to alleviate the energy crisis)

"If I keep quiet, the stones would cry out for the people of Latin America who are willing to be free after 500 years of colonialism."

About himself

"The eagle does not hunt the fly."

"Next year I'm sure you're going to reelect the president for six years. And in 2019, though I said I was going to go, I won’t either. 2019-2024, 2024-2030, so here we go with the favor of God and the Virgin.”

"It is a victory of shit and our defeat. Call it a defeat, but of courage, value and dignity.” (on his defeat in the referendum for constitutional reform in 2007).

"I bring in my heart the weeping and crying Caribbean Orinoco.” (expression of his grief over the death of former Argentine President Nestor Kirchner, 2010).

"Childbirth is full of optimism, full of light, of faith in Christ, of battling and overcoming.”

“Would it be so strange that they've invented technology to spread cancer and we won't know about it for 50 years?”

[TsarSamuil]

Chavez's pal or US-backed rich kid: Who will inherit Venezuela?

RT.com
March 06, 2013 16:29

An election to be held in Venezuela in 30 days will likely see a tough stand-off between “the Chavez man” Nicolas Maduro and the late president’s main opponent, US-supported Henrique Capriles Radonski.

Three months prior to death, Hugo Chavez made it clear to his loyalists he wanted Vice-President Nicolas Maduro to replace him if he did not win his battle against cancer.

The chosen successor had already made a momentous declaration just hours before Chavez’s death, laying the blame for the Commandante’s illness on his political enemies and announcing that two US Air Force officials had been expelled from the country for spying on the military and plotting to destabilize the country.

Maduro made it all the way up to the top of Venezuelan political elite from a grassroots level. He was a bus driver and later a trade unionist for the workers of the Caracas Metro transport system. Maduro got acquainted with Hugo Chavez while he served his prison term for an unsuccessful 1994 coup. Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, was a lawyer leading Chavez's defense.

n 2006, Maduro became Venezuela’s Foreign Minister. In 2012, he took the vice-presidency, and now he is the country's interim leader.

The daunting task of pursuing ‘Chavismo’ without Chavez now rests upon his shoulders, with the majority of analysts believing Maduro is capable of rising to the occasion. His grassroots past is likely to be advantageous, winning him respect from the poor and the underprivileged, the bulk of the late president’s loyalists ‘Chavistas’. As for the army, it has already pledged support for the interim president.

“Despite his lack of charisma in comparison to Chavez, Maduro is in many ways a very, very popular figure in Venezuela and one who would naturally win election... were it not for meddling from the United States,” geopolitical analyst Eric Draitser told RT.

And that meddling is now embodied in Chavez’s main opponent in the past election, the 40-year-old governor of Miranda State, Henrique Capriles Radonski. He “coincidently enough was in Miami and New York within the last 48 to 72 hours. Obviously, they are going to be gearing up for a battle royal [at the snap presidential elections within 30 days],” author and historian Gerald Horne told RT.

Preferred travel destinations can sometimes tell a lot about one’s political views. For Maduro it’s Cuba, whereas Capriles favors the US.

“This has also been typical… over the past decade, really, for members of the opposition of Venezuela to frequently come to the United States to meet with their… financiers, because they get multimillion dollar funding from the US government or its different agencies,” Eva Golinger, author and lawyer said to RT.

At the previous election, Capriles demonstrated his resolve to change Venezuelan foreign policy radically, heralding a possible strengthening of ties with the US.

Unlike both Chavez and Maduro, Henrique Capriles Radonski comes from a wealthy family of business owners. He is a free market proponent, not approving of the economy regulations practiced by Chavez.

As in October 2012, two different philosophies are bound to clash: “Chavismo”, promoting social democracy in generic sense of the word and pro-US ideology with neoliberal policies, privatization, and primacy of ties with Washington.

Five months ago Chavez got 54 per cent of the vote against 44 per cent for Capriles. The election in 30 days is going to show whether Chavez’s ideology can survive its mastermind’s death.

All signs point towards an electoral victory for the Chavistas, Dr. Francisco Dominguez, head of the Centre for Brazilian and Latin American Studies at Middlesex University and Secretary of the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign, told RT.

“They won the presidential elections in October, they won the governorship elections on the 16th of December – 20 out of 23 governorships – and on the same day they won 22 out of 23 local legislatures, which is quite impressive,” Dominguez said.

“Chavez has been on the ascendency. If you look at what he won: 3.7 million in 1998, 3.8 million in 2000, 5.8 million in 2004, 7.3 million in 2006, and on the October 7 2012 election 8.2 million. The trend is clear. It doesn’t mean the opposition doesn’t have its strengths, but the Chavistas have much more,” he continued.

Dominguez believes the Chavistas have a hard battle ahead of them, however, as some elements within the deeply divided opposition may still rely on “subversive” methods to grab power.

These realities have put maintaining stability throughout the pre-election period high on the agenda.

Pepe Escobar, investigative journalist and author, expects “a lot of disturbances inside Venezuela because the disorganized opposition and some small faction of military will be talking to Washington and New York on a daily basis, asking: ‘What about our next coup?’”

James Petras, professor of Sociology at Binghamton University in New York, however believes the US’s capability of destabilizing Venezuela is overestimated.

“I think the security forces in Venezuela remain loyal to the constitutional process. I think they represent a stabilizing force, being deeply influenced by Chavez’s social and political agenda,” Professor James Petras told RT.


This combination of file pictures shows Venezuelan Vice-President Nicolas Maduro (left) and Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Henrique Capriles Radonski. (AFP Photo / Leo Ramirez)

[TsarSamuil]

Serbia honors Chavez with state decoration.

B92, Tanjug
Politics | March 6, 2013 | 16:21

BELGRADE -- Serbian President Tomislav Nikolić offered his condolences on Wednesday to the family of President Hugo Chavez, the leadership and people of Venezuela.

The president's message was sent on behalf of the Serbian citizens and in his own name.

Hugo Chavez, 58, died on Tuesday after a two-year battle with cancer.

"The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has been left without its president, the Republic of Serbia without a sincere friend," Nikolić wrote, and added:

"The world political scene has been left without a great statesman, whose tolerance, understanding of the historical moment, endurance with which he fought for a better future of his people, contribution to peace in the region and the world, became the characteristics after which the name of Hugo Chavez will in the future be uttered with deep respect."

The president's cabinet also announced on Wednesday that Hugo Chavez has been posthumously honored with the Order of the Republic of Serbia on a sash, for his contribution to the development and strengthening of peaceful cooperation and friendly relations between the two countries.

It has also been announced that Oliver Antić will attend the funeral in Caracas in his role as Nikolić's special envoy.

Serbian Prime Minister Ivica Dačić also sent his condolences over the passing of the Venezuelan leader, and addressed them to the country's Vice-President Nicolas Maduro.

"On behalf of the government of the Republic of Serbia and on my personal behalf I wish to express my deep condolences on the occasion of the death of President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez, who was a great friend of Serbia, an advocate of improved relations between our countries, and known for his principled position in favor of a solution of the Kosovo and Metohija problem in line with international law."

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Putin Hails Chavez as ‘Strong’ Leader.

MOSCOW, March 6 (RIA Novosti) - World leaders have been reacting to the death of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, the populist figurehead of Latin American socialism whose larger-than-life personality split both international and domestic opinion, with Russian President Vladimir Putin among those praising his legacy.

“He was an unorthodox and strong person, who looked to the future and always set himself the highest standards,” Putin said in a Kremlin message of condolence after Chavez’s death on Tuesday following a prolonged battle with cancer.

Putin added he was confident the Venezuelan people would be able to overcome what he called the “test” presented by Chavez’s death and continue to build a “strong, independent and prosperous” nation.

Ties between Russia and Venezuela flourished under Chavez, whose 14-year-rule brought Moscow a number of lucrative arms deals and a close ally in South America.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Chavez had devoted his life to the battle for "justice and equality."

"We share the pain of your loss - we will always remember this wonderful person, patriot and citizen," he said in a message of condolence to the Venezulean people.

In the former Soviet republic of Belarus, strongman leader Alexander Lukashenko declared a three-day mourning period in connection with Chavez's death.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Venezuela had lost a "brave, wise and revolutionary leader."

US President Barack Obama - whose country was frequently the subject of Chavez’s ire - was much more lukewarm.

“At this challenging time of President Hugo Chavez’s passing, the United States reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government,” Obama said.

“As Venezuela begins a new chapter in its history, the United States remains committed to policies that promote democratic principles, the rule of law, and respect for human rights,” he added.

Former US President Jimmy Carter said in a statement that Chavez would go down in history “for his bold assertion of autonomy and independence for Latin American governments.”

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon said simply he was “conveying condolences” to Chavez’s “family and the people of Venezuela."

British Foreign Secretary William Hague said: "I was saddened to learn of the death of President Hugo Chavez today. As President of Venezuela for 14 years he has left a lasting impression on the country and more widely.”

In Cuba, the government said in a statement that Chavez had "stood by Fidel [Castro] like a true son."

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said: "This death should fill all Latin and Central Americans with sadness," adding "Hugo Chavez was without doubt a leader committed to his country and to the development of the people of Latin America." She described Chavez as “a great leader, an irreparable loss and above all a friend of Brazil.”

(Adds Ahmadinejad comment, Belarus mourning period)



Moscow Sends Oil Boss Sechin as Envoy to Chavez Funeral.

NOVOSIBIRSK, March 6 (RIA Novosti) - Igor Sechin, President Vladimir Putin’s special representative and former deputy prime minister, will head the Russian delegation at Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s funeral, Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday amid concerns about the future of bilateral business ties.

Sechin, president of the Rosneft oil company and chairman of the board at the Rosneftegaz company, is a man who has been closely involved in bilateral Russian-Venezuelan relations, Peskov said.

Hugo Chavez was the architect of the “multidimensional” relationship between Russia and Venezuela while Sechin was “a proactive initiator of energy, banking and other projects,” Peskov said.

The Russian delegation will also include Trade and Industry Minister Denis Manturov and Russian Technologies (Rostekhnologii) state corporation general director Sergei Chemezov.

Ties between Russia and Venezuela flourished under Chavez, whose 14-year-rule brought Moscow a number of lucrative arms and energy deals and a close ally in South America. Manturov said the change of leadership in Venezuela should not affect ongoing Russian-Venezuelan contracts and agreements.

“We have signed contracts with the state, therefore there are federal obligations on the part of our Venezuelan partners. I have no such concerns,” he said.

Russian companies are involved in five major oil projects in Venezuela. The largest is the development of the Junin-6 block in the Orinoco oil belt with a total estimated investment volume of $20 billion. Venezuela is also one of Russia’s leading partners in the defense and technology sector.

Moscow hopes to preserve “constructive, warm relations” with Venezuela, Manturov said.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said Chavez was Russia’s friend, adding that all matters of future cooperation should only be addressed after the last respects have been paid to him.

“After that we will start thinking of how not only to preserve but expand on all the agreements achieved under Hugo Chavez, with our traditional partner in Latin America.”

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said Moscow is confident that Chavez’s policies will continue.

“We have no doubts that Hugo Chavez’s noble cause is in reliable hands. We are confident that the focused work to create a strong, independent and prosperous Venezuela will continue,” Lukashevich said.

Venezuelan Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez, who is also president of the state-owned oil and natural gas company PDVSA, said Venezuela will continue Chavez’s policy toward the oil industry, aimed at achieving sovereignty and national control over the sector.

“We will not go against Chavez’s outstanding legacy, such as the president’s oil policy,” he said.

Venezuela is the largest oil exporter in South America, and is among the four largest oil suppliers to the United States and has been steadily increasing oil supplies to China. In 2011, OPEC stated Venezuela overtook Saudi Arabia in its volume of oil reserves.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin conveyed his condolences to the Venezuelan people in a telegram to the Venezuelan vice president.

“He was an unorthodox and strong person, who looked to the future and always set himself the highest standards,” Putin said in a Kremlin message of condolence after Chavez’s death on Tuesday, following a prolonged battle with cancer.

Putin added he was confident the Venezuelan people would be able to overcome what he called the “test” presented by Chavez’s death and continue to build a “strong, independent and prosperous” nation.

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Lukashenko addresses the nation over the death of President Hugo Chavez.

06.03.2013 17:50

MINSK, 6 March (BelTA) - Following the death of the Venezuela President Hugo Chavez, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko addressed the Belarusian people and representatives of the international community, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian head of state.

“Our hearts are paralyzed with the sad news. The close, trusted friend, our brother, President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Hugo Chavez died.

Without trying to conceal our tears, we grieve along with Venezuelan people mourning the tragic abrupt death of Hugo Chavez, one of the greatest statesman and leaders of our time, the great hero, the passionate patriot and the fighter for independence, the outstanding politician, the thinker and speaker, the exceptional strong man who loved life and who dedicated his life to the service for his country.

Under the leadership of Hugo Chavez, the heir and successor of the noble cause led by Simon Bolivar, Venezuela got rid of the heavy and hateful burden of poverty and underdevelopment. It broke free from the political and economic suppression of the foreign countries. President Chavez firmly and strongly led his country to happiness and freedom. He was, and I am sure he will remain, in the hearts of millions of people, the true farther of the Venezuelan nation, the protector of the poor, the suppressed and the underprivileged. He will always be shining hope and the foundation of the democracy in the South American continent.

Today we lost a close relative and a best friend, who passionately loved Belarus and always was there for us when we needed help. Our joint work together for the benefit of Belarus and Venezuela, warm and friendly relationship will always remain the most treasured memories in my life.

The name of President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Hugo Chavez is engraved in the book of our history with the golden letters and he and his deeds now became part of eternity.

Today, in this hour of sorrow and pain, we express our deepest condolences to the relatives and close ones of Hugo Chavez, to all people of Venezuela. In the name of the memory of the great leader, we solemnly promise to execute and accomplish our joint projects and plans, to continue the policy of friendship and mutual assistance, to do everything to further strengthen and develop our collaboration for the benefit of our countries.

Rest in peace, our friend and brother, Hugo Chavez. Your cause will live for ever.”

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Tens of thousands pay respects to Chavez
www.b92.net/eng/news/world-article.php?yyyy=2013&mm=03&dd=07&nav_id=85051
'Farewell, Comandante:’ Venezuelans throng to view Chavez’s body in state (PHOTOS)
rt.com/news/chavez-lies-in-state-920/

Venezuelans and world leaders bid farewell to Hugo Chavez (PHOTOS)
rt.com/news/chavez-funeral-venezuela-maduro-024/


This handout picture released by Venezuelan presidency press office shows Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad(R) and Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko paying their respects at the coffin of late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in Caracas, on March 8, 2013. (AFP Photo/Presidencia/Miguel Angel Angulo)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wo3CdIBT92g
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjUz11TGjAk

[TsarSamuil]

Boroslav

is it ok that I changed the title of the thread you created? I can always change it back.

[TsarSamuil]

Russia, Venezuela to Continue Strategic Partnership - Maduro.

MOSCOW, March 8 (RIA Novosti) - Venezuelan Vice President Nicolas Maduro has assured Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone that strategic partnership between the two countries would continue following the death of Hugo Chavez, the Kremlin reported Friday.

President Chavez died in Venezuela on Tuesday night after battling cancer for two years. He was 58.

The Kremlin said in a statement on its website that in the phone conversation with Maduro on Thursday, Putin expressed his condolences to the vice president and said he hoped relations of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and Venezuela would keep developing.

Ties between Russia and Venezuela flourished under Chavez, whose 14-year rule earned Moscow a number of lucrative arms and energy deals and a close ally in South America.

As the Russian president was speaking to reporters during a visit to the northwestern Russian city of Vologda, he praised Chavez’s legacy, calling him a bright leader with a strong political will who always prioritized the interests of the Venezuelan people.

“We have established a good-natured, warm, friendly relationship, which, undoubtedly, helped to build relations between our countries,” Putin said. “Hugo Chavez was a dear friend of Russia.”

Chavez named Maduro as his potential successor before undergoing the latest surgery in December.

Venezuela will hold new presidential elections in early April. Maduro has assumed the presidency in the interim period.

[Deleted]

Mar 6, 2013 16:30:59 GMT -5 TsarSamuil said:

Boroslav

is it ok that I changed the title of the thread you created? I can always change it back.

I don't even remember what the original title was, so... ;D

No problem.

[TsarSamuil]

Oki

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Chavez's death leaves Latin America exposed to US influence.

RussiaToday
Mar 8, 2013

www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5eIsj6wgVw

Chavez's death has left uncertainty not just in Venezuela, but across Latin America. With its most vocal opponent out of the picture, some experts are wondering whether Washington will use the chance to increase its influence in the region. RT's Gayane Chichakyan takes a look.

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CrossTalk: Chavez's Legacy.

RussiaToday
Mar 8, 2013

www.youtube.com/watch?v=eo5myplV5m4

Venezuela mourns the death of long ruling President Hugo Chavez. Did he leave the country a better place? Was he a dictator or a populist leader? And what will his lasting legacy be? CrossTalking with George Cicarello-Maher, Alex Main and Alek Boyd.

[TsarSamuil]

Maduro Assumes Office, Calls for Immediate Elections.

Novinite.com
World | March 9, 2013, Saturday| 165 views

Nicolas Maduro has been sworn in as Venezuela's interim President, just hours after hundreds of thousands of mourners attended the state funeral of Hugo Chavez.

Late President Hugo Chavez designated Maduro as his successor before he died Tuesday of cancer. However, the opposition has protested against Maduro's swearing in, arguing that it violates the country's Constitution.

"I swear by the most absolute loyalty to comrade Hugo Chavez that we will fulfill and see that it's fulfilled the constitution ... with the iron fist of a people ready to be free," Maduro said as he was taking oath of office at the National Assembly in the capital Caracas.

Maduro urged the national electoral council to "immediately convene presidential elections."

Maduro also named Jorge Arreaza, Chavez's son-in-law and Venezuela's science and technology minister, as his vice president.

Hugo Chavez, who led Venezuela for 14 years, died on Tuesday aged 58 after a long battle with cancer.